LT: Me and Rivers are good

The emergence of the Chargers as a passing team this year was like gasoline on a fire so many have been wanting to stoke for so long.

Philip Rivers vs. LaDainian Tomlinson.

It is a fact that this offense has become Rivers-centric. It is plain as day that Tomlinson is not happy about the lack of running opportunities.

But even as the Chargers struggled and Tomlinson sulked, it seemed to me throughout the season, starting in training camp, that Rivers and Tomlinson were more easily mixing, making an effort to be friendly and to communicate on the field and in the locker room.

I asked Rivers about it a while back, and he shrugged. He can get along with anyone, and he never felt there was a problem.

This week, I asked Tomlinson as he sat at his locker about an ESPN report last Sunday morning -- before the Chargers' 41-24 victory at Tampa Bay -- that the Chargers' locker room was split into factions (Rivers vs. LT). Tomlinson scowled, shook his head and looked as if he had been simultaneously slapped and given news he could not believe.

"(The ESPN reporter) has no idea what's going on in this locker room," he said. "Me and Philip haven't had one disagreement about anything this year."

I asked if what I had observed about the pair was true -- that he and Rivers were talking more and that it appeared natural.

"The more you're with somebody and you play with him that's the relationship you build," Tomlinson said. "He and my relationship is a great relationship to have between a quarterback and running back. I can tell him anything about what I'm feeling. I can say we need to run the ball more. He says, 'This is what we're trying to do.' Before, I would never have done that, and he probably wouldn't have done that."

Look, I think the ESPN report was more making something of what has been known for a while -- that there have been players unhappy with the playcalling on offense. It's no secret LT and his line have been unhappy.

First there was the Punk question to Wilhelm, then there's the speculation article on LT being traded and now it's about whether LT and Rivers are getting along (although at least this one wasn't negative).

I'll take the other perspective: It has been my impression for quite some time that LT and Rivers don't get along very well. It is a businesslike relationship, they both know that "co-existing" is a necessity if the team is to have success.

This evident in reading LT's denials, Philip's too for that matter. Not once do either of them say that they are friends.

First there was the Punk question to Wilhelm, then there's the speculation article on LT being traded and now it's about whether LT and Rivers are getting along (although at least this one wasn't negative).

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I agree and what the fuk does this have to do with playing the Broncos?

I think for the most part LT has acted like a self-centered a-hole this year. JMO.

I'll take the other perspective: It has been my impression for quite some time that LT and Rivers don't get along very well. It is a businesslike relationship, they both know that "co-existing" is a necessity if the team is to have success.

This evident in reading LT's denials, Philip's too for that matter. Not once do either of them say that they are friends.

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Ask Dan Fouts if being buddy-buddy with teammates is necessary for playing winning football.

First there was the Punk question to Wilhelm, then there's the speculation article on LT being traded and now it's about whether LT and Rivers are getting along (although at least this one wasn't negative).

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Sports writers are like professional kid brothers:

They're nosey, ask intrusive questions, take what they've heard and tattle to others... and then wonder why they aren't trusted and respected by the players. :yes: